James Hird has challenged ruckman Paddy Ryder to maintain his form this year after a dominant showing against Greater Western Sydney on Friday night.

Ryder was close to best afield in the Bombers' 91-point rout of the Giants in the third round of the NAB Cup, with 21 disposals (15 contested) and three goals.

The talented big man also had 13 hit-outs and made seven clearances while sharing ruck duties with fellow Bomber Tom Bellchambers.

Hird said he was "very happy" with Ryder's performance, but the next step was consistency.   

"Paddy has set a standard. Last year he set a standard and regressed occasionally," Hird said.

"If he sets that standard he needs to keep that standard. We thought his time in the ruck today was exceptional."

Ryder, who turns 24 next week, was one of the biggest contributors in Essendon's win, and worked closely with the club's beefed-up midfield unit.

Brendon Goddard has been a standout since crossing to the club and he collected 26 disposals against the Giants, but it was the performance of Dyson Heppell which took more attention. Heppell had 21 disposals midway through the third quarter before he was subbed out of the contest.

"Heppell's progression has been there for everybody to see and it's been a steady progression. He started at a high level and he's only getting better," Hird said.

Giants coach Kevin Sheedy went as far to compare Heppell to Hird, who won two premierships, five best and fairests and a Brownlow Medal under Sheedy's coaching at Essendon.

"He'll be a top-class player, there's no doubt about that," Sheedy said.

"He probably doesn't play unlike James Hird in that he has a good feel and read of the game."

Sheedy described the loss to the Bombers as "ugly", but saw it as an opportunity to test some of his younger players against a full-strength Essendon line-up.